THE FIGHTING SPIRIT OF 1998 INDONESIA MONETARY CRISIS IMMIGRANT REFLECTED IN “MERRY RIANA : MIMPI SATU JUTA DOLAR” FILM

Abstrak

Merry Riana film is based on the story of the life journey of a young motivator, Merry Riana. The May 1998 riots were racial discrimination riots against ethnic Chinese that occurred in Indonesia on May 13-May 15, 1998, especially in the capital city of Jakarta but also occurred in several other regions. The riots were preceded by the Asian financial crisis and triggered by the Trisakti tragedy in which four Trisakti University students were shot and killed during a May 12, 1998 demonstration. This resulted in a decline in President Soeharto's position, as well as the inauguration of B. J. Habibie. In Jakarta there was a monetary crisis, looting, damage and riots; one of those who experienced the 1998 incident was Merry Riana. Therefore, her family suggested she go to Singapore to looking for protection and safety. In Singapore Merry was alone and didn't have enough money for her life there before finally meeting her friend. As an immigrant, Merry certainly didn't have freedom while in Singapore because many regulations were set up there for immigrants such as in finding work. There are some conditions that limit Merry to getting a job, especially if she is a student. It is prohibited for students to work in Singapore, even though she has to pay for her studies and daily life while living there.